The Z216-M is a high-throughput microcentrifuge built around a 24-position fixed-angle rotor for 1.5 / 2.0 mL tubes, with a fixed-angle ceiling of 15,000 rpm / 21,379 × g. It's the Hermle answer for labs that have outgrown a 6–12 position microcentrifuge and need to spin a full sample plate's worth of microtubes in one cycle — molecular-biology cores, multiplex extraction lines, and drug-discovery prep benches running parallel reactions. Made in Germany, distributed in North America under the Benchmark partnership, and engineered for the gloved, high-volume daily use that defines a busy core facility.
Voltage options: This unit can be ordered with European voltage requirements (230V/50Hz). Contact us to order.
Key Specifications
| Max. speed | 15,000 rpm |
| Max. RCF | 21,379 × g |
| Capacity | Up to 30 × 1.5 / 2.0 mL microtubes (rotor-dependent) |
| Speed range | 200 – 15,000 rpm |
| Running time | 10 s to 59 min 50 s (10 s increments); 1 min to 99 h 59 min (1 min increments); continuous mode |
| Program memory | 99 saved runs (including rotor type) |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 11 in × 11.4 in × 15.4 in (28 × 29 × 39 cm) |
| Shipping weight | 44 lb (20 kg) |
| Power supply | 120 V / 50 – 60 Hz |
| Acceleration / deceleration | Selectable; quick-key short-spin available |
| Noise level | < 60 dBA at max. speed |
| Safety standards | IEC 61010 |
Application Profile
High-throughput nucleic-acid extraction. The 24-position rotor handles a full row-of-eight × 3 = 24 sample format, so multi-step extraction protocols (lyse → bind → wash × 2 → elute) move through the centrifuge in a quarter of the cycles a 6-place microcentrifuge would require.
Protein precipitation and post-lysis pelleting. 21,379 × g handles TCA / acetone protein crashes and post-lysis debris removal at the same throughput tier, making the Z216-M a good fit for shared cores between proteomics and genomics groups.
Multiplex PCR cleanup. Spin-column cleanups for 96-well-source PCR plates land naturally on the Z216-M when split across two or three rotor cycles — much faster than running a single 12-place microcentrifuge twice that many times.
Method development. 99-slot program memory plus 10 selectable accel/decel rates (including unbraked) supports protocol-development work where separation gradients and pellet characteristics change between conditions.
Drug-discovery and assay-development cores. The same chassis with refrigeration (Z216-MK) is in the same product line; labs that anticipate temperature-sensitive workflows can plan the upgrade path without rebuilding bench layout.
Design Architecture
Maintenance-free induction motor. No brushes, no scheduled wear parts beyond the rotor. Designed for daily heavy use in a shared environment.
RFID rotor identification + over-speed protection. The Z216-M reads the rotor's RFID tag at insertion and caps speed at the rotor's rated maximum — operator can't accidentally over-spin a rotor designed for a lower speed.
Active imbalance identification with rotor-specific cut-off. The drive monitors load symmetry; asymmetric loading or mid-spin tube failure triggers automatic shutdown before excursion damage. Imbalance thresholds are stored per-rotor.
Motor-driven lid lock. The lid cannot open while the rotor spins, and the drive will not engage until the lid latches. Hard interlock, not software warning.
Microprocessor control with single-knob input. Splash-proof keypad, large LCD with simultaneous set-point and actual-value display. Programs persist across power cycles.
Quick-rotor exchange. Rotors swap on a single spindle via wing-nut lift-off; switching configurations between fixed-angle microtube and high-volume tube rotors takes well under a minute.
Stainless-steel sample chamber for spill containment and chemical resistance.
Ordering & Configuration
Ships without rotor. The Z216-M body ships with operator's manual and power cord. Select your rotor from the Z216-M rotor catalog (linked from this page) — the Z216-M family includes fixed-angle rotors for microtubes (1.5 / 2.0 mL, 0.5 mL, 0.2 mL PCR), 5/7 mL conical, and 8 × PCR strip tubes; high-volume rotors for 15 / 50 mL formats; and a 24SC swing-out option.
Voltage variants: The 230 V / 50-60 Hz model is available by special order.
Refrigerated upgrade path: If your workflow benefits from sample-temperature control during long spins or for thermosensitive samples, see the Z216-MK Refrigerated MicroCentrifuge — same chassis, same rotor catalog, with -20 °C to +40 °C control via a CFC-free refrigeration system.
Step-up: For higher capacity (4 × 750 mL volumes), see the Z446 Universal Centrifuge in this same Hermle benchtop family.
Warranty & service: 5-Year Hermle warranty (3 years full + 2 years drivetrain). Rotor validation, balance checks, and North American service available through the Benchmark / Hermle distributor network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum speed and RCF of the Z216-M? 15,000 rpm / 21,379 × g.
What is the Z216-M's capacity? Up to 30 × 1.5/2.0 mL microtubes (rotor-dependent) — high-throughput for a busy core facility.
Is a refrigerated version available? Yes — the Z216-MK adds −20 °C to +40 °C refrigeration on the same chassis and rotor catalog.
Does the Z216-M ship with a rotor? No — select from the Z216-M rotor catalog (microtube, PCR-strip, 5/7 mL conical, high-volume 15/50 mL, and a 24SC swing-out).
What voltage does the Z216-M use? 120 V / 50–60 Hz standard; a 230 V / 50–60 Hz model is available by special order.
